MINISTRY OF EDUCATION LAUNCHES 2026 SEASON FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture would like to announced the launch of the 2026 scholarship application season which will begin on January 1st 2026.
This initiative offers invaluable opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to apply for scholarship opportunities within the Ministry’s priority areas.
Estimated awards within each award category are as follows: -
- Standard Financial Assistance ............................................................(55)
- Cadet Financial Assistance ...........................................................(2)
- The TCI Hope Award ...................................................................(2)
- Intl. Associate's Degree / A-Level awards ....................................(3)
- Athletic Financial Assistance ..............................................................(3)
- National Scholars Awards ...................................................................(4 -preselected)
- Special Needs Students Financial Assistance Award ..........................(1)
- BWIC - GCE Advanced Level ............................................................(4)
Last year the Scholarship Secretariat introduced a new application method in the form of a financial assistance platform which marked the departure from traditional email or paper submissions.
Applicants are reminded that all applications must now be submitted exclusively through https://tcig-nefa.grantplatform.com/?AR=1
Explanatory notes are in the link provided above outline the criteria for each award category.
The MOE is reminding the public that the application deadline is: May 31st, 2026 at [11:59 pm] [EST]
Successful applicants will be notified in July 2026.
For more information, including explanatory notes on the application process and priority areas, please visit our website at https://gov.tc/scholarshipsecretariat.
The MOE wishes to convey that should you have further questions about the application process, please contact the Scholarship Secretariat Unit by email at scholarshipsecretariat@tciedu.tc
Commissioner Fitz Bailey Elected Second VP of the Regional Police Association
TCI’s Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been elected as the Second Vice President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP).
The election took place during the ACCP’s Intersessional Meeting, being held from December 3rd to 5th at the Sheraton Miami in Miami, Florida, USA.
Commissioner Bailey’s appointment underscores his leadership and commitment to advancing regional collaboration on law enforcement matters. The ACCP brings together Commissioners of Police from across the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation, share best practices, and address common challenges in policing and public safety.
RTC News understands that this new role positions Commissioner Bailey to contribute further to the strategic direction of the Association, fostering stronger partnerships among Caribbean nations in the fight against crime, as well as the promotion of community security.
Weekend forecast for TCI
GENERAL SITUATION: A broad subtropical ridge will continue to support fair weather conditions while passing pockets of moisture could spark some showers later tonight.
WEATHER: Partly sunny with isolated showers possible. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 86°F 30°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 73°F 23°C
SUNSET: 05:05 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 02:50 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 08:26 PM (2.3 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: A deep-layered ridging pattern will remain the dominant feature through the weekend, with a few isolated showers possible as some bands of moisture move across the area.
SATURDAY: Isolated showers possible in the morning. Partly sunny, with a high near 86°F (30°C).
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 74°F (24°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots with higher gusts.
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:14 AM
SUNSET: 05:05 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:35 AM (0.3 FT) 03:39 PM (0.7 FT)
LOW TIDE: 09:09 AM (3.3 FT) 09:14 PM (2.3 FT)
SUNDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 86°F (30°C).
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 74°F (24°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots with higher gusts.
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:14 AM
SUNSET: 05:05 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:25 AM (0.3 FT) 04:29 PM (0.7 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:00 AM (3.3 FT) 10:04 PM (2.3 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Prada finalizes purchase of fashion rival Versace for $1.4 billion
The Prada Group closed the purchase of Milan fashion rival Versace in a $1.375 billion cash deal that puts the fashion house known for its sexy silhouettes under the same roof as Prada’s “ugly chic” aesthetic and Miu Miu’s youth-driven appeal.
The highly anticipated deal is expected to relaunch Versace’s fortunes, after middling post-pandemic performance as part of the U.S. luxury group Capri Holdings.
Prada said in a one-line statement that the acquisition had been completed after receiving all regulatory clearances. Capri Holdings, which owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, said the money would be used to pay down debt.
Donatella Versace welcomed the deal in an Instagram post, which also marked the birthday of the brand’s late founder, her brother, Gianni Versace.
“Today is your day and the day Versace joins the Prada family. I am thinking of the smile you would have had on your face,’' she wrote in a post that also featured a 1996 photo of Gianni Versace with Miuccia Prada.
Prada heir Lorenzo Bertelli is set to steer Versace’s next phase as executive chairman, in addition to his roles as group marketing director and sustainability chief.
The son of co-creative director Miuccia Prada and longtime Prada Group chairman Patrizio Bertelli has said he doesn’t expect to make any swift executive changes at Versace, although he also noted that the company, which is among the top 10 most recognized brands in the world, has long been underperforming in the market.
Weekend Forecast for TCI
GENERAL SITUATION: A ridge of high pressure will keep the islands under generally stable conditions today, with light to moderate winds prevailing. Moisture and some upper-level support nearby will keep a chance of a few isolated showers later today.
WEATHER: Partly sunny with isolated showers possible this afternoon. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: 2 to 4 feet, building up to 5 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 86°F 30°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 75°F 24°C
SUNSET: 05:04 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 02:03 PM (2.3 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 08:24 PM (1.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The cold front is expected to move into the Central Bahamas later tonight and stall on Saturday. The front will gradually weaken and dissipate by Sunday; however, upper-level forcing and lingering moisture will keep shower and thunderstorm activity in the forecast over the weekend.
SATURDAY: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of widely scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 84°F (29°C).
SATURDAY NIGHT: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of widely scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75°F (24°C). New total rainfall accumulation between a quarter of an inch to a half an inch.
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 6 feet
SUNRISE: 06:09 AM
SUNSET: 05:04 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:32 AM (2.3 FT) 03:01 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 08:48 AM (1.0 FT) 09:19 PM (0.7 FT)
SUNDAY: A medium (40 to 60 percent) chance of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81°F (27°C). A few thunderstorms could be strong at times, with a marginal to slight risk of becoming severe.
SUNDAY NIGHT: A medium (40 to 50 percent) chance of scattered showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75°F (24°C). New total rainfall accumulation of about half an inch.
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory will come into effect.
WINDS: Easterly at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet, building up to 7 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:10 AM
SUNSET: 05:04 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:39 AM (2.6 FT) 04:01 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:01 AM (1.0 FT) 10:14 PM (0.7 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.
The North Atlantic Hurricane Season will be coming to an end on Sunday, November 30th, 2025.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
New Service Charge Formula Released
The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services is pleased to announce the implementation of a new Service Charge Formula for organisations that collect service charge within their establishments across the Turks and Caicos Islands under the Service Charge Act. The new formula is design to ensure fair and equitable distribution of service charge and to strengthen the Act for effective compliance. The new formula is effective 1st October 2025.
Total service charge collected to be distributed as follows:
- Each employee must receive a share of the total service charge collected, calculated by dividing the total amount collected by the total hours worked by all employees, then multiplying that result by the number of hours worked by the individual employee. (See example below).
- Employees on fixed/set salaries will be paid no more than 44 hours per workweek in their calculation of payable service charge. Example Senior Supervisors, Middle Managers, and above. Distribution Example:Establishment A have collected $100 for the MonthEmployee 1 worked 25 HoursEmployee 2 worked 35 HoursEmployee 3 worked 40 HoursService Charge Payable to each employee:Employee 1 - $100 X (25 hours/ (25+35+40) hours) = $25Employee 2 - $100 X (35 hours/ (25+35+40) hours) = $35Employee 3 - $100 X (40 hours/ (25+35+40) hours) = $40
New features to accompany the new formula are:
- Audit of Service Charge by TCIG.
- The requirement that the troncmaster provision has been implemented and the need to ensure that the role is being carried out.
- Resorts and businesses are to share their Service Charge Reports with the Employment Services Department/ Commissioner of Labour.
In supporting the release of the Service Charge Formula, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border services with responsibilities for Regional, ECLAC and CARICOM Affairs, the Honourable Jamell Robinson shared:
“The release of the service charge formula marks a significant step forward in ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in how service charges are distributed among workers. This formula reflects our commitment to protecting the rights of employees while supporting sustainable practices within the hospitality and service sectors.
It is the result of extensive consultation with workers, employers, and industry stakeholders, and we believe it strikes a fair balance for all parties. With this formula in place, we aim to create a more predictable and equitable environment, where workers are justly compensated for their contributions and businesses are guided by clear, consistent standards.”
The industry is asked to take note of Section 14(2) of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Restaurant Service Charge Act which refers to offences under this ACT.
National Security Council Issues Post Meeting Statement
Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick OBE co-chaired a meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday, 13th November, 2025, at the Office of the Governor, Providenciales.
In attendance, Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, the Hon. Deputy Premier and Min of Immigration and Border Services, the Hon. Min of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, the Hon. Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police. Also in attendance, the National Security Advisor, the Permanent Secretary for National Security, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, the Director General of the Border Force and the NSS Threat Lead. The Chief Engineer of the Marine Unit attended as an invited presenter.
Members were briefed:
- By the PS National Security and the Commissioner of Police on the status of maritime security assets being acquired through Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) grant funding, advising that the primary equipment has been acquired. Also, on the progress of the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) Project, advising of measures being undertaken to ensure completion of implementation requirements.
- By the Commanding Officer of the Regiment and the Chief Engineer of the Marine Unit on the potential uplift to maritime capabilities, including proposals relating to a deep-water platform.
- By the National Security Advisor on the proposal to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness through Space Based Systems.
- By the members of the Unified Command on joint operations, areas of cooperation and operational plans for the approaching festive season.
- On the after-action review of multi-agency disaster management arrangements and next steps to ensure business continuity plans and enhanced preparedness.
Follow up questions are welcomed and can be directed to nationalsecurity@gov.tc.
Accused Charged
Serious Crime Unit detectives today charged 27-year-old KENDALL SARGENT of Blue Hills, Providenciales, with Possession of Controlled Drugs with Intent to Supply.
The charge RTC understands stems from a targeted operation during which officers recovered suspected cannabis packaged in bags.
Following further investigations, the accused was charged and subsequently granted bail in the sum of $5000.
SARGENT is expected to appear before a Magistrate on 25th November,2025.
TCI Post Cabinet Update
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 22nd meeting of the Cabinet held on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025 at the Office of the Premier, Hon. Hilly Ewing Building, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
All members were present.
In this meeting Cabinet:
- Received an introduction to the investors of the Vision Ridge Partners, that recently acquired FortisTCI from Fortis Inc.
- Received an update on the operationalization of a Credit Union for the Turks and Caicos Islands and the way forward.
- Received an update on the Turks and Caicos Islands Census Activities and Poverty Assessment.
- Approved the Supplementary Appropriation Bill No. 1 FY 25/26.
- Approved the reappointment of committee members for the Mortgage Corporation for a period of 12 months:
- Mr. Dennis Swann, Chairman
- Representative from the Attorney General’s Chambers
- Mr. Chris Stokes, Private Sector Representative
- Mr. Robert Cox, Mortgage Corporation of the Bahamas
- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance or her representative
- Permanent Secretary, National Land Secretariat
- Ms. Claudia Burnside, Secretary
- Approved a Rental Lease Agreement extension for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government London Office for a period of six (6) months.
- Approved a Development Agreement for the Bay Road Development.
- Approved an Interim Data Management Policy for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
- Approved the implementation of the Alcohol and Tobacco Import Revenue License Fee Structure.
- Approved the submission of draft regulations to amend the Immigration (Amendment) Regulations 2025 Fee Schedule to create a special category for accredited Schools and Trade Schools operating in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- Approved the Draft Immigration (Work Permit Fees Exemption) Regulations 2025 for further publication in the Gazette.
- Received an update on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIS) on the Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) consultancy projects and granted approval to publish and conduct public consultations.
- Approved amendments to the Post Office Offences Act for submission to Parliament.
- Approved amendments to the Telecommunications (Interconnection and Access to Telecommunications Facilities) (Amendment) Regulation 2025.
- Received an update on the progress of a social development case.
- Approved a Rental Lease Agreement for the rental of building 60715/367, Leeward Highway, Providenciales for the location of the Planning Department, and the relocation of the Estate Management and Housing departments, Providenciales.
- Approved the Strategic Master Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority.
- Approved the funding for advancing from Tier 3 to Tier 2 level with the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
- Received an update on the partnership between the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and WidomCRM to introduce the “Sustainable Virtual Stock Market Game and Eagle Eye” to 1000 students in secondary schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- Approved the reappointment of Dr. Candace Williams as the position of President of the Turks and Caicos Community College for a period of 3 years, commencing October 1st 2025.
- Approved the appointment/re-appointment of Members to the Cadet Advisory Committee for a period of one (1) year commencing September 1st 2025.
- Act. Commandant, Nimrol Beckles, Existing Member
- Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Darron Williams, Existing Member
- Ms. A’Janae Robinson, New Member
- Ms. Jatavia Howell, Director, Youth Department, New Member
- Mr. Reinwald Lewis, Education Officer, Existing Member
- Major Adrain Parker, New Member
- Permanent Secretary of Youth or his designate
- Ms. Vanesha Williams, Secretary
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
TCI EXPENDITURE COMMITTEE REVIEWS HALF YEAR REPORT, EMPHASIZES FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
The TCI Expenditure Committee convened to review the Half Year Report for the period of April 1 to September 30, 2025, presented to Parliament by the Hon. Premier and Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Investment, and Trade on November 6, 2025.
This committee, comprised of elected parliamentarians, is dedicated to scrutinizing government spending to ensure financial accountability and effective use of taxpayer funds.
Committee Membership:
- Hon. Tamell L. Seymour – Chairman
- Hon. Randy Howell – Member
- Hon. Kimbule Skippings – Member
- Hon. Sharon Simons – Member
Chairman Hon. Tamell Seymour shared key insights from the committee's analysis, stating, “One of the key takeaways is scrutinizing the value for money and examining the government’s spending policy. We are analyzing the budget and comparing planned expenditures with actual spending, while also exploring new mechanisms for government revenue streams.
Our goal is to hold officials accountable for spending, ensuring that government priorities align with the expenditures of those responsible.”
Addressing concerns regarding underperformance highlighted in the Premier's speech, Chairman Seymour noted, “The underperformance is closely linked to our economy's reliance on tourism, particularly from the United States. Current events impacting travel have contributed to a slower recovery in tourism, affecting revenue performance. We recognize the need for a more sustainable economic model for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Looking ahead, Chairman Seymour outlined the committee's next steps: “We will engage with various departments to understand the challenges they face in delivering government initiatives and the funding constraints they encounter. Clarity is essential, as we need to identify the reasons behind any inability to implement programs effectively or reach target populations.”
The TCI Expenditure Committee remains committed to ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely and effectively, with significant work ahead to enhance financial accountability and transparency within government spending.